Can-opener



(No Model.)

W. N. ANDERSON.'

CAN OPENER.

Patented Aug. 3;1897.-

UNITED STATES PATENT QFFICE.

WILLIAM N. ANDERSON OF SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA.

CAN-OPENER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 587,419, dated August 3, 1897. Application filed August 25, 1896l Serial No. 603,833. (No model.)

T0 whom it may concern.-

Be it known that LWILLIAM N. ANDERSON, a citizen ofthe United States, residing at San Rafael, in the county of Marin and State of California, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Can-Openers; and I hereby declare the following specification and the drawings therewith to be a full, clear, andexact description of my invention.

Myinvention relates to devices for opening metallic cans, such as are employed to preserve food and other substances; and it consists, essentially, in a sliding and revoluble stem that guides and sustains the cutting knife, holds down the cans, and is instantly adjustable for cans of different size, whether round or angular in form.

The various novel features of my invention will be pointed out in connection with the drawings herewith, forming a part of this specification.

Figure 1 is a side view of one of my canopening devices, showing the position of-the can and other parts at the commencement of the operation. Fig. 2 is a front view of the same with the knife in a cutting position operating on a can of larger size. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the same devices with the can removed and the cutting implement in a horizontal position. Fig. 4 is a section through the fulcrum of the cutting implement, and Fig. 5 a section across the knife in the line :1: cc.

Similar letters of reference apply to like parts throughout.

A machine or apparatus to embody my im' provements comprises the following elements, hereinafter designated by letters of reference: a main frame or support for the parts, a sliding and revoluble fulcrum-stem, a pivoted cutting implement, a knife of peculiar form, and clamping devices to fasten the apparatus to a table or shelf. The main frame is made with a horizontal extension B, on which the can 0 rests, and a sleeve D, through which slides a cylindrical stem E.

On the bottom of the sleeve D is a projecting arm F to receive a clamping-screw G, by means of which the whole is fastened to table or shelf 11, as seen in Fig. 1.

At the top of the stem E, on a squared extension I of the same, is pivoted the cutting implement J by means of the axis K, which is loose and turns freely in the extension I and is retained by a pin L, fitting in the groove M, as seen in Fig. 4. v

The function of the stem E is to provide a fulcrum for the cutting implement J, which is thus pivoted in two planes, also permits .adjustment vertically for cans of different length, and holds the cans down when the ends are being cut out.

Referring to Fig. 1, this illustrates the method of starting. The can 0 is set on the plate B, the cutting implement is then set vertically, and the point of the knife N forced downward through the cover or end R of the can 0 until the knife N penetrates far enough for the curved member P to rest on the rim of the can 0. Then by moving the handle T either way, as is most convenient, and turning the can 0 by hand between the strokes the end is cut out clean close up to the sides, leaving no fin or edge. The range of the handle T is arrested each way by the projections S S, that stop 011 the rim of the can 0 before the point of the knife N comes out of or up through the top of the can 0. It will be observed that the knife N is made flat on the inner side next to the can and curved on the other or outer side, as seen in Fig. 5. This bya wedging action against the edge of the severed head causes the knife N to follow closely against the inside of the cans, and, as before explained, cuts out the heads completely, leaving the interior smooth. The functions of the revoluble and sliding stem E in this operation are important. They relieve and protect the operators hand, furnish a compound pivotal fulcrum for the cutting implement J, and adapt the apparatus without any change whatever to cans of any size or form, whether round or square.

The knife N is clamped and held by a washer or plate Q, rounded on its anterior face, the curve at 6 being a little smaller or shorter than the curve at P, as shown in Fig. 1, so as to permit the severed edge of the cantop to rise or turn over as the cuts are made.

Having thus described the nature and objects of myinvention and the manner of constructing and operating the same, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is'

1. In a can-opener having a fixed support,

the sliding and revoluble stem E in combination with a lever fulcrumed thereon and having a cutting-blade at its lower end and operating in the manner and for the purposes substantially as described.

2. In a can-opener, the can-support 13 pro vided With the sleeve D, the sliding and revoluble stem E fitting loosely therein and a lever fulcrumed on the said sliding" stem, and having a cutting-blade at its lower end, substantially as described.

3. In a can-opener, the combination of the can-supporting plate B provided with a fasteninghlamp and sleeve D, the sliding and revoluble stem E, and a cutting implement pivoted on this stem and adjustable Vertically to clamp and hold the can While being opened, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my signature in the presence of two Witnesses.

VILLIAM N. ANDERSON.

\Vitnesses:

K. LooKWooD-NEvINs, W. T. GROVER. 

